Savident's class tells for Rovers

LEE SAVIDENT hit a majestic unbeaten century last night as Rovers emphasised their title credentials with a convincing win over the champions at the KGV.

Stuart Bisson's men were more comfortable winners than the 12-run margin suggests and that was largely thanks to the former Hampshire all-rounder.

Although a couple of difficult chances out on the boundary were put down late in the innings, in truth Cobo had no answer to Savident, as few sides would have when in this mood.

His island teammate, Gary Rich, bore the brunt of one Savident onslaught when he took 22 from the off-spinner's first over and Rich did well to come back and allow only 23 from his next three.

Savident's strokes were both effortless and brutally powerful and his timing was sweet throughout as he brought up his ton in the final over of the Rovers innings, having faced 68 deliveries.

He hit 12 fours and two sixes.

Tim Duke provided the ideal foil, contributing 34 in an opening stand worth 136, before Rovers finished on 145 for one.